Fitness Challenge participants earn awards

Wednesday

Dec 5, 2018 at 12:10 PMDec 5, 2018 at 5:44 PM

ASHEBORO — An award ceremony for participants of the 8th annual Healthy Communities Mayor’s Fitness Challenge was held at the Sunset Theatre on Tuesday.

From Oct. 8 to Nov. 18, individuals and teams — schools, businesses, churches, civic clubs and other organizations — logged their steps. Those individuals or groups with the highest number of steps logged through walking, hiking or any activity that can be converted into steps were recognized for their efforts.

The ceremony also included a musical performance by Guy B. Teachey Elementary School’s Tuneful Tigers, an after-school choir club directed by music teacher Jonas Hancock.

Asheboro Mayor David Smith, who logged about 400,000 steps himself, welcomed everyone to the ceremony.

“I’m excited to be here to celebrate the accomplishments of our 8th challenge,” Smith said. “Every year we’ve gotten larger and larger with more people.”

According to Smith, there were 2,482 participants in the challenge. In total, these participants logged 232 million steps and walked approximately 116,000 miles, which equates to just under five times around the circumference of the earth.

Group walks and hikes were held throughout October and November, which were well attended by 184 walkers and hikers.

An individual responsible for coordinating the Mayor’s Fitness Challenge, Jim Rich, with Healthy Communities A3, spoke before presenting the awards to the winning participants.

“The hikes continue throughout the year. I would encourage everyone to participate,” Rich said, adding that they usually organize at least one hike a month.

“Everyone in our challenge is a winner for working towards better health and exercising.”

Cathy Wall, the female participant with the most steps, was also recognized for having the highest number of total steps out of everyone competing in the challenge.

Plaques were presented to the team with the highest total number of steps and certificates to the remainder of the competitors.

Asheboro City Schools competed for the Mayor’s Cup, presented to Dr. Terry Worrell, superintendent. Schools in the Randolph County School System — who joined the challenge for the first time this year — competed for the Superintendent’s Cup, presented to Cat Berry.

Winners

* Asheboro City Schools:

First — McCrary Mustangs (37,241,314 total steps)

Second — Loflin Lions (22,262,397)

Third — Balfour Bulldogs (27,986,631)

* The Randolph County School System:

First — Grays Chapel Fifth Grade Bluehawks (10,976,726)

* Team with the highest total number of steps:

First — SAMS (South Asheboro Middle School) Steppers (23,076,541)

Second — Prevo Drug (6,479,262)

Third — COA Not Fast, Just Furious (5,525,884)

* Team with the highest average number of steps:

First — SAMS Steppers (23,076,541)

Second — Team Bow Wow (1,576,358)

Third — Prevo Drug (6,479,262)

* Male with the most steps:

First — Jeff Cagle (1,139,891)

Second — Adam Missenheimer (1,082,950)

Third — James Rich (758,985)

* Female with the most steps:

First — Cathy Wall (1,402,265)

Second — Jordan Nixon (1,346,151)

Third — Jessica Hall (1,204,925)

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